Refrigerating system



`lune 5, 1928.

J. R. REPLOGLE REFRIGERATING SYSTEM Filed June l, 1926 4 Sheets-Sheet I NVEN TOR.

EMM??- A l TORNE Y.

June 5, 192s. 1,672,827

J. R. REPLOGLE ,REFRIGERATING SYSTEM Filed June 1, 192e 4 sheets-sheet 2 IA'VENTORA A TTORNE Y.

Jun'5, 1928.

Y 1,672,827 J. R. REPLOGLE REFIGERATING SYSTEM mi 24 Filed June 1, 192s 4 sheets-sheep s I NVENTOR. //fl MTW BY K 24% 1 M @la HL ATTORNEY.

`lune 5g 1928.

1,672,827 J. R. REPLOGLE n REFRIGERATING SYSTEM 53 Filed June l, 1926 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 I NV ENTOR.

A T TORNE Y.

`itatenter! y,linnn 5,

' UNITED STATES'PNIWENT OFFICE.

TVHN It. REPLOGLE, @itt DETROIT, MXCHIGAN, ASSGNR, BY MESNE AEtEllGNMmITS, '1"0 ELECTRIC RLEFRlEl-ERATION CRPORTIN, 0F DETROIT, NIGER-Mal, .d GRPORA- v THUN MIE MlCHIGAlil'.

Application filed June 1 the invention relates to'refrigerating systems and more particularly to the vaporin' duction oi the temperature thereof; my

present invention being in the nature ot improvements in and Irelating to certain parts of a refrigerating unit invented by me, and ,for which an application for Letters Patent of the Unitedv States was tiled on June 6, 1921, Serial No. 475,3514."

It is an object of .my invention to provide an improved form of vaporizi'ng device for refrigerating systems. of the Hooded type, wherein the refrigerant capacity is materially reduced and the surface exposed tothe medium' to be cooled isV greatly ncreased,` and more `edectivel and rapid .cooling ofthe surrounding medium secured; the increased vaporizing surface bein secured Without increasing the over al di-,

mensions of the device.

'A further object of my invention resides in providing a refrigerating system of the flooded type, in' which the vaporizer can be bodily attached or removed from a tank containing acooling fluid, thus enabling the vaporizer to be charged and shipped to a reih mote location and assembled as a unit with a tank, or to be bodily removed from the tank, Without removing the refrigerant charge therein. 9

Another object of my invention is to provide a vaporizer for a. refrigerating systemof thel flooded type'in which a plurality lof coils or conduits associated in open communication with a header are formed with extensive heat .transferring surfaces and of small refrigerant "capacity,` and thus materially lessening the time .required to reduce the temperature of the medium surrounding such a vaporizer` and the quant-ity of refrigerant required. i. l

Still another objectof the invention resides in the provision of means for supporting a vaporizer within a receptacle containing a cooling fluid to prevent displacement of, the vaporizer when being 'shipped or handied.

Other objects that are incident or lancil lary t0 those nh'nve mentioned will appear REFRIGERATING SYSTEMS.

, ieee. eel-iai no. Marea.

in the iollowiug description, which sets forth a preferred embodiment of the invention. y i. f'

1n the drawings, Figure 1 is a plan vievvof a cabinet. with which is incorporated a refrigerating system, some of the parts being broken away andsoine shown in section;l Figure is a side elevation of the same, broken away to show the vaporizer and certain of the supports therefor; Figure 3 is a 'medial sectional viewv of a fragmentary portion of a brine tank and ofthe rel movable vaporizer device mounted therein;

Reterring tov the drawings b :characters f reference, I have illustrate my invention associated with a food cabinet and ren frigerating ysystem of theconstruction described in .U.S. Patent No. 1,476,546, grant,-

ed to ine on December 4, 1923. The cabinet consists of a trame and a casing, which include sidewalls 10, end walls 11, a, top wall 1:2 and a bottom wall 13, the interior space formed by such'walls being divided into two compartments by'a `'vertically extendin division wall or partitionV 14. The division Wall 14 is located adjacent one ofthe end Walls 11 of the frame, and thus provides a. small compartment at one end of the casing, in which the motor 5, the compressor and condenser 6, thecontrol mechanism 7 vand the associated elements are housed. The other and larger compartment in the casing provides the refrigerated food chamber Which is lined internally with heat insulating walls 15, preferably formed of cork sheeting.

A brine tankl is housed Within the inksulated compartment and rests upon a pan exterior leak-proof walls arranged to fit snugly within the space in the'insulated compartment and such. tank .is provided with a plurality of vertically extending sleeves 18, which are arranged in two longitudinal lines, and, preferably, in spaced pairs. The sleeves 18 are open at both ends, and a false bottom 19 is arranged within each sleeve and iests upon the pan 17, so that the weight of food to be refrigerated which is placed wit-hin the sleeves will not separate the sealed bottom connections ben tween the tank and the sleeves. The tank is preferably filled with brine to a level ade jacent its top, so that the major portion of the sleeves 18 will be immersed and sui'- rounded by the brine. The top wall of theV r expander type of refrigerating unit which is similar to mechanism shown and described in my pending application and my-patent above referred to, the compressor, motor,

condenser, fluid refrigerant reservoir, and

the automatic controlling switch for the motor being located either in the small lconipartment or at a remote location from the chamber to be refrigerated. A refrigerant supply conduit 21 extends fromthe refrigerant reservoir compartment 6, and a return conduit 22 is arranged to extend substantially parallel with tClie conduit 21 from the compressor crank case to the expander or lvaporizer which, is arranged within Athe brine tank. The vaporizer is preferably -lo cated between pairs of the food receiving sleeves 18, and one of the insulated side walls of the food compartment is cut away to receive the refrigerant conduits 21 and 22. A suitable filler neck 23 is associated with the top wall of the brine tank and pro jectsthrough the top wall of the casing, a removable plug 24 being provided to close the-same.

`The brine tank is provided at oiieyside with an openingr 25, which is of such size that the vaporizer assembly can be bodily moved into and out of operative relation Y with the tank. The opening 25 in the side Vof the brine tank is of substantially the same shape as the section of the vaporizer 'and of slightly larger size, so that the vaporizer v vcan be assembled and removed endwise.

A beading member 26 extends interiorly of the opening in the tank wall, and a flanged portion 27 thereof projects adjacent a ,portion of the tank surrounding the opening and provides a base against'which the beading 1s sweated and then secured in leak-proof relation by solder, such as shown at 28. The flange 27 is assembled to extend interiorly of the tank, and a portion 29 of the beading.

.29 of the beading.

.ings in the portion 38 of the flange.

size as the opening in the brine tank 'is arranged to be assembled against the soft gasket 30. A retaining` ring 32 bears against the peripheral portion of the outer face of the closure plate and is arranged in align nient with and conforms to the shape of the soft gasket 3() and the projecting portion The closure plate 31 is removably secured and clampedinto position by the ring 32, which is drawn against the beading 26 by a plurality of bolts 33, which extend through the ring, closure plate and soft gasket, and are screwed into the threaded apertures 34 in the beading niember 26.

The vaporizer is secured to the removable closure plate 31 and forms therewith a unii Atary assembly which can be removed from opening. The vaporizer includes an annular head portion 36, from which extends an annular flange 37 having an annular portion 38 projecting from its exterior` wall. The exterior diameter ofthe iange 37 is vsubstantially the same as that of the opening 35 in the plate 31, so that4 it can be extended through the opening 35 with the outer faceof the portion 38 bearing against the inner face of the closure plate 31. Suitable screws 39 extend through the elongated slots 40 and are screwed intothre'aded open- The slots 40 are elongated to permit limited annular adjustmentof the vaporizer when' assembled with the closure plate. and the joint between the header and the closure plate is sealed ,by solder, as shown at 41,Iv after desired annular adjustment has been mad'. The outer end of the member 36 of lou the vaporizer interiorly ofv the flange 37 is provided with a central anertu're 42 which is closed bythe member 43, having passages through which refrigerant passes into and out of the vaporizer. The closure plate 43 is removably secured to the vaporizer end member 36 bybolts 44, which are screwed into lthe threaded apertures 45 in the end member 36. The removable closure plate 43 'is connected with Vthe refrigerant inletV conduit 21 by a coupling elbow 46 and is also connected with the outlet conduit 22 by a coupling elbow 47. A coupling to which is attached a conduit48 is arranged to extend from coupling 47, so that the presamasar' j sure in the vaporizer will be directed to suitable mechanism for controlling the operation of nthe motor.

rlhe removable closure plate 43 carries valve mechanism consisting of a pivotally yslqiported float 49, which controls a ball valve 50 seated against the outlet end of the refrigerant'supply jiassage 5i,w1th which ,-sheet metal and annular in cross section, beV ing of less diameter than the inner wall `of 'the inlet connection 46 is in open communication. .nl conduit 52, provided with an interior open end, is arranged to communicate with the outlet connection 47, through the end plate, and such conduit is also provided with an opening 53 arranged through a wall-thereof below the open end. The outlet conduits for the refrigerant, the inlet conduits and float valve controlling mechanism and the association of the conduits 2l, Q2 and 48 Witltbe vaporizer are fully described in my pendingapplication above referred to. Thevaporizer illustrated is of the full flooded type and a substantially7 constant level of liquid refrigerant 90 and lubri- 'cant 91 is automatically maintained within the header by the float 49. A cylindrical header casing 54 is provided with a reduced end 55, which is arranged to lit tightlyv within an annular groove`56 in the Vaporizer end member 36, and such end of the casing is secured in leak proof relation with the end member by filling the recess with solder, as shown at 57.

.The other end of the cylindrical casing 54 is provided with a re-entrant end closure member 523` which is preferably formed of the casing 54 throughout'the header portion thereof. The outer end 59 of the re-entrant head is open and is flared outwardly and secured rigidly with' the casing by bending the-end 60 Aof the casing around the end of the re-entrant head and sealing such joint with solder. In 'order to displace a maximum quantity of refrigerant, the re-entrant head is formed of such lengths thatit extends interiorly of the casing 54 with its A' closed end 6l adjacent the float 49, and is spaced from the inner wall of the major por-v tion of the casing 54'to provide a maximum heat transferring wall. The re-entrant head serves to displace the quantity of refrigerant whichA would be normally required within the casing 54, and. also permits the brine inthe tank 16 to extend interiorly of the vaporizer. The re-entrant head thus-serves to provide additional wall space for transferring heat from thebrine to theA refrigen ant, -and, a greater transferring Vsurface is provided between the refrigerant in the vaporizer and the brine in the header. With this arrangement, the quantity of refriger-v ant required in the system and in the vaporizer is materially reduced, and the additional heat transferring surface will cause theA refrigerant to n'iaintain a desired tein perature of the brine more efficiently and in a shorter space of compressor operating time.

The vaporiaer consists, further, of a plurality of depending pipe loops which are preferably U-sl'iaped und are associated with the header 54 in a manner such that their open ends will project interiorly of the header below the level of the liquid refrigerant. The open ends G3 of the pipe loops are preferably circular in section, and project through openings provided to receive the saine in the casing. The ends of the tubes are secured rigidly and in leak proof relation with the casing 54 by means of solder,such shown at 64 internally of the casing. The ends of the tubes 62 'are in open communication with the interior of the casing 54, so that the liquid refrigerant within the header will How into the tubes and vaporize therein.. In order to maintain a uniform temperature of the brine in 'a cabinet of the size illustrated, I employ two rows of tubes 62, the outer row of which is secured with the header in a plane above the inner row, and extend downwardly in spacedrelation from the inner row, the lower end yof the looped portion of the inner row bearing against the upper face of the loopedlower portion of the outer row. The inner and outer rows of tubes are preferably spaced apart,;as described, and are arranged with their major portions in alignment transversely of the casing. The major portion of the tubes 62 are drawn from a roundtoa substantially Arectangular shape` such that the adjacent sides are fiat surfaces and pro vide an internal area which'is considerabl less than that of the round ends of the tubes.

Alternate tubes 62 in each row are arranged with one end associated with the casing 54 in a plane above the opposite end, this arrangement insuring the flow of refrigerant into the tubes from the header. The tubes in each row preferably extend in alignment longitudinally of the header 54 and serve the function of providing heat transferring surfaces, in which the refrigerant expands. The tubes, it will therefore be noticed, forni a continuation of the header 54, and forni a vaporizer in which the expansion of the refrigerant will take place, substantially the height and width of the brine tank inter1nediate the central pairs of sleeves. By drawing and flattening the tubes 62, I am able to assemble a greater' number of them with the casing 54 than would be the case if they were round, and this construction of the tubes also reduces the quantity of refrigerant required and provides spaces between adjacent tubes in each row. thus affording increased eilicienc f due to the increased heat transferring surfaces in contact with the brine in the tank, and also effecting a more e'tiicientand uniform convection oi. the brine in the tank when the refrigerant is expandin .i

It Will'be seen, as above described, that I the vaporizei is suspended inl the Ytank by being secured to the'closurelplate 3l by means oi' the screws 39 `which secure the end member 36 therewith. l have found thatadditioiial support is sometimes necessary to prevent nii'splacemeiit of 'the vaporizer when being shipped, or when the cabinet is handled, and for this purpose l provide an upper supporting bracket G and. `a lovver supporting bracket 66. The upper bracket is secured to the interior top-Wall 'of the brine tank, and extends downwardly .the desired distance to engage the top of the` header` ,54e adjacent its end GO. The loiver 'Y be supported* by two bracket 66 is secured to the bottom of the brine tank and extends upwardly to engage the lower loop of the vaporizer tubes 612. The vertically extending portions of the U- shaped outer'roW of tubes 62 are of s'uiicient Width, such that they will lie adjacent and pairs ot'food sleeves 18. It will thus be seen that the brackets opposite projecting endskof the tubes.

6.5, 66 and the arrangement and width or" the outer row of tubes 62 are such that displacement of the vaporizer is prevented,

which, together'with the securement ot thef.l

order to prevent damage to the float 49, and

` to prevent its becoming stuck between' the ends offtthe tubesI provide a bracket 67,

which is secured to theA interior bottom por-- .ftion ofthe casingv beneath the float 49 in a position to prevent the'fioatfrom contactthe. ivall of said tank, said vaporizer being ing with the tubes ends.'v l The vaporizeris preferably located transversely of the food cabinet, within the brine tank, and intermediate the two central pairs ot food compartment sleeves. This arrangement and location of the vaporizer willcause uniform convection. currents of the brine within vthe tank on 'each side of the'vaporizer, thereby insuring Vsubstantially an' even temperature vof the 'brine throughout the tank. The termbrine as used herein can be interpreted asany type oifluifd which is commonlyused in refrigeration for transferring purposes. The function. and

advantages of this-construction of vapori'zer,

including the construction of thefcasing and the. tubes and-their arrangement will havefv ior assembly. suitable closure valves 68 be-f ing 4provided iii-the connections i6 and 47 ior 'such purpose. and Athe conduits 2l, 22 and 4S bi. iig removably attached exteriorly of the closure valves.

lt will be observed that l have provided an ehicient'vaporizer structure, which utilizes a minimum quantity ot refrigerant. The vaporizer being bodily attachable to or removable from a brine tank will materially reduce the time required for assembly and servicing, and provides an efficient manner of shipping such a structure after being charged ivith refrigerant for assembly With a cabinet ata remote distance.

Vhile I` have shown the particular ernbodiiiicnt or' my invention, l contemplate that` changes may be made therein Without departing troni the spirit of the invention andthe scope of the appended claims.

That I claini is:

l. In a refrigerating system for food cabinets, the combination of a brine tank, a plurality of spaced food receiving sleeves in said tank, a vaporizer within said tank, including a bleader and depending pipe loops, said header having one end secured to a side Wall 4'0f-said, tank, and means supporting said loops to `prevent displacement of said vaporvizer. l

2. lIn a refrigerating system, the combination oa vaporizer; a brine tank in which .saidfvaporizer is positioned, ,said tank havi'n-g an opening in .one of its side walls through which said vaporizer can be bodily inserted and removed; .and a closure plate detachably-s'ecured to close the opening in tion of a vaporizer including a header and depending pipe loops vhaving their ends in open communication with said-header; aA

,tank containingacooling fluid in which said vaporize'r is submerged, said tank having an opening in one of its wal'lsof a size to permit said vaporizer to be `moved bodily there.

lull

tank

through; and a closure plate detachably secured to the Wall adjacent the opening in one end of the vheader of said tank, said vaporizer bei/ng secured to and carried by said plate and having a refrigerant inlet and outlet extending through said plate.

' o. In a refrigerating system, the combination of a vaporizer including a header having a refrigerant inlet and outlet through one end; a tank containing cooling medium in which said vaporizeris submerged, said tank having an opening in `one of its Walls through which said vaporizer ca n be bodily inserted and removed; a closure plate removably secured to said tank closing the opening in the Wall thereo-f, said closureplate having an opening therein through which the `end of said header having the inT let and outlet passages therethrough extends and is secured as a unitary assembly.

6. In a refrigerating system, the combination of a vaporizer including a header por-l tion, a brine tank, said tank having an open'- ing in one of its side walls of a size to 'permit endwise insertion of said vaporizer, a beading secured to the edge of said tank around .the opening therein, a closure plate removably secured to said tank and said beading, said vaporizer being mounted as va unitary structure .with s'aid plate for assembly with and removal from said tank.

7.' In a vaporizer for a refrigerating sys- -tem of the Hooded typefa header having refrigerant inlet and outlet passages, a closure valve for said inlet passage, a float pivotally mounted Within said header for controlhng said valve and automatically maintainingsubstantially a constant level" of refrigerant tubes depending from and having their ends extending through and secured to the wall of said header,and means Within said header to limit the movement of said of said tubes.

8. In a vaporizer for refrigerating system of the Hooded type, a header having refrigerant inlet and outlet passages, a valve for said inlet passage, a fioat pivotally 'mounted Within said header for controlling said valve, looped tubes depending fromV and having their ends extending through andA secured to the Wall of said header, a bracket secured to the inner Wall of said header, said bracket preventing Contact of said fioat with lthe ends of said tubes.

9. In an artificial refrigeratiing system, a. cooling unit comprising a receptacle in which a quantity of liquid refrigerant is fioat and prevent its contact With the ends' i maintained, said receptaclehaving a reen-v trant Wall portion and inlet and outlet ports connected in the refrigerant circuit of the system, and a casing associated With the wall of said receptacle Which includes the re-en-` trant portion to define a brine chamber.

10. In an articial refrigerating system,v

signature.

i JOHN R'. REPLOGLE. 

